Nearly One-Third of U.S. Teens Use AI Chatbots Daily, Pew Finds
Key Points
- Close to one‑third of U.S. teens use AI chatbots daily or more.
- Nearly half of teens engage with chatbots several times a week.
- OpenAI’s ChatGPT is the most widely used chatbot among teens.
- Google’s Gemini and Meta AI hold the second and third spots respectively.
- Chatbot usage trails constant use of TikTok and YouTube among teens.
- The FTC is probing major tech firms over safety policies for younger users.
- Lawsuits allege that chatbot interactions may have contributed to teen suicides.
- Pew Research highlights the need for ongoing monitoring of teen AI use.
A recent Pew Research survey reveals that close to one‑third of American teenagers use AI chatbots at least daily, with many engaging several times a week. OpenAI’s ChatGPT leads the market, followed by Google’s Gemini and Meta AI. While chatbot use is rising, it still trails the constant use of major social platforms like TikTok and YouTube. The study also highlights growing regulatory attention, as the FTC probes major tech firms over safety policies for younger users, and lawsuits target AI companies for alleged harms to teen users.
Overall Usage Among Teens
The Pew Research Center’s latest online survey of U.S. teens shows that roughly one‑third of respondents report using AI chatbots daily or more often. Nearly half of the teens say they interact with chatbots several times a week, indicating that AI tools have become a regular part of their digital routines.
Top Chatbot Platforms
OpenAI’s ChatGPT dominates the teen market, with a clear majority of users having tried the service. Google’s Gemini and Meta AI follow, each capturing a notable share of teen usage. Smaller shares of teens have experimented with Microsoft Copilot, Character AI, and Anthropic’s Claude.
Comparison with Social Media Habits
When measured against traditional social media, chatbot usage remains lower than the near‑constant engagement reported for platforms such as TikTok and YouTube. Nonetheless, the rise in chatbot interaction marks a significant shift, as these AI services are newer than the established social apps that continue to dominate teen attention.
Safety and Regulatory Scrutiny
The rapid adoption of AI chatbots by minors has attracted regulatory and legal attention. The FTC is investigating major tech firms over the safety policies governing younger users. Additionally, lawsuits allege that interactions with certain chatbots may have contributed to tragic outcomes for some teens, prompting heightened scrutiny of how these companies protect vulnerable users.
Implications for the Future
The findings suggest that AI chatbots are carving out a niche in teen digital life, complementing but not yet supplanting social media. As usage grows, tech companies and regulators will likely face increased pressure to ensure safe, age‑appropriate experiences. Continued monitoring by research organizations like Pew will be essential to track evolving patterns and inform policy responses.